To cycle Alpe d’Huez is to conquer cycling’s most famous mountain: the Alpe d’Huez cycling climb is the most famous climb the sport has.
The 21 bends that wiggle up the Alpe d’Huez climb are instantly recognisable and have been responsible for shaping the outcome of the Tour de France more often than perhaps any other.
For that, if nothing else, cycling Alpe d’Huez is a must-do ride for most serious road cyclists.
All metrics in this article are approximate.
Cycling Alpe D’Huez: highlights
Riding Alpe d’Huez and conquering it!
It’s been in over 25 Tour de France stages; climbing it brings you closer to the sport. It also makes you realise the unbelievable strength it takes to be a Tour de France champion.


Climbing Alpe d’Huez: what to expect
1. Base at Bourg d’Oisans to La Garde: first 6 bends (bends 21-16)
Look out for the “Depart, KM 0” tombstone by the side of the road: it’s a couple of kilometres outside town, just before the turn onto the first ramp up. The first six bends up to La Garde are the toughest of the mountain, averaging around 11%.
Our advice: don’t push it too hard here or you’ll blow up later.
2. La Garde to Huez: middle 10 bends (bends 15-6)
After a brief 200m respite from the harsh gradients as you ride through La Garde, it’s up past the monument dedicated to Joachim Agostino at bend 14 and onto a string of corners before you reach the church of Saint-Ferréol. Gradients in this section are still a hefty old 8-9% but they’ll feel easier than the first bends. Next step is through Huez village.
3. Huez to Tour de France finish: last 5 bends (bends 5-0)
As you head out of Huez village, be prepared for a series of stinging bends which are as difficult as the first on the mountain. It’s only in the last three kilometres that you find some respite with average gradients of 5-6%.

4. Descending Alpe d’Huz
There are a few options:
Return the way you came
Via Villard Reculas and down to Allemont: take a look at our Pas de La Confession loop. This route involves a few meters of additional climbing, but the cliff road to Villard Reculas is stunning.
Via La Guard and the balcony road: this would be the first leg of our Balcons d’Auris, Col de Sarenne and Alpe d’Huez ride, but instead of going on to ride Col de Sarenne, you would return home along the main road between Freney d’Oisans and Bourg d’Oisans. This route involves approximately an additional 350m climbing. Like the Pas de La Confession loop, the views from the balcony road are incredible.
Via Col d’Sarenne: this is our Balcons d’Auris, Col de Sarenne and Alpe d’Huez route in reverse.



Café stops
Water is available from a water fountain at bend 16 (La Garde en Oisans). Alpe d’Huez village also has a good choice of cafés.
Where to stay
Find our tips on where to stay and specific accommodation suggestions in our article on where to stay in/around Alpe d’Huez.
Cycling Alpe d’Huez: tips
Found this guide useful?
Looking for an organised cycling trip?
If you want someone to help you plan and book your cycling holiday, fill out this form. We aren’t a tour operator/agent but we work with lots of people who are and will do our best to put you in touch with someone that can help (within 24 hours wherever possible)!
The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and take professional advice. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here.
Where can we hire bikes to ride the Alp Duez?
Hi Peter, check out the information in the “bike hire” section of this article: https://www.epicroadrides.com/destinations/cycling-france/alpe-d-huez-region/
Have a great trip!
Clare
I’m currently sat at the top of the climb, unfortunately your route is incorrect and does not take you to the iconic finish and Tour de France plinth rather it goes around and up a parallel road.
Pretty gutted to have have missed that. Please compare to Strava etc and update.
Hi Sam, thanks for flagging this. I’m sorry you were disappointed, we’ve now updated the route. Perhaps an excuse to tackle the Alpe again another day?!
Thanks for a great website full of all the info i am looking for. my name is John and i am travelling from New Zealand to experience a week watching the Tour d’France and ride some of the famous rides. im bringing my own bike. i will be riding alone, but after reading your info i will be amongst many other friendly cyclists.
Cant wait. i can say now it will be slow going but wonderful!
thanks
I hope you are having/had a wonderful time! Thanks for your kind words. Please tell your friends about the website! And if you know anyone that would be interested in sharing their knowledge of cycling in New Zealand, do get in touch (info@epicroadrides.com). We would love to tell our readers about it!
Dears, I kindly ask you for information Is there during October some days to climb the Alpe d huez only for cyclist? So close for car?
Thanks a lot for answer
Martin
Not as far as we know, I’m afraid, but you could check with the local tourist office in Bourg d’Oisans – they should be able to tell you definively!